In Seattle, it’s possible to grow a number of beautiful and aromatic plants. The Oregon grape, Pacific ninebark, Lewisia, and Red columbine are some of the best. But which ones grow well in Seattle? Let’s explore some of the other plants for your garden. Listed below are some favorites that are sure to make your yard look great. And remember to keep your watering schedule to a minimum!
Oregon grape
Oregon grape is a great outdoor plant for Seattle gardens, and it’s also great for wildlife. Its flowers and fruit are excellent food sources for birds and small mammals. Some species of butterfly depend on Oregon grapes to host their larvae. In addition to their beauty, Oregon grapes also offer year-round cover for small mammals. If you have a yard in Seattle, you can consider planting a tall Oregon grape as part of your garden.
The Oregon grape is an evergreen shrub with brightly colored, shiny leaves. It features distinctive holly-like leaves. Early spring brings yellow, fragrant flowers. In fall, the leaves turn burgundy. For a beautiful outdoor plant, the soil must be moist but have good drainage. It should also be acidic, so that it will thrive in the city. A few years ago, the Tall Oregon Grape was featured in a Seattle Times article. While the plant is often mislabeled as a berberis, it’s widely accepted by the Washington Flora Checklist.
If you’re looking for a beautiful outdoor plant in Seattle, you might consider growing the Oregon grape from seed. It will look spectacular growing in containers, and you can set them up in the fall. As with most fruiting trees, you’ll want to keep it out of the wind, but it’s worth a shot if you have the space! In addition to being beautiful, the Oregon grape has several other benefits, including its ability to produce nectar.
Pacific ninebark
The ‘ninebark’ is a native shrub of the west coast, mainly found west of the Cascades, but also in northern Idaho. It tolerates dry conditions in summer and stands water in winter. The flowers of this native shrub are white, about four feet in height, and they have seed pods that are pinkish brown. Its seeds add contrast and texture to your garden.
Lewisia
In the genus montiaceae, the Lewisia is a strikingly beautiful perennial plant. Its spoon-shaped dark green leaves are complemented by funnel-shaped flowers that are as large as an inch in diameter. The flowers range in color from pale pink to deep magenta, and some species have multiple colors. Lewisias thrive in dry areas, but are not suitable for wet areas. The leaves and flowers of Lewisia are prone to aphids, slugs, and rot.
Native to the Siskiyou Mountains, Lewisia is a beautiful and low-water plant that can add a splash of color to any landscape. This hardy plant can be used as a ground cover, or in rock gardens to make a striking accent. Its berries are delicious and attract birds and wildlife. Lewisias also make a beautiful addition to a rock garden.
The leaves and stems of Lewisias are succulent, which is characteristic for plants in dry alpine regions. The leaves are fleshy, swollen, and leathery, depending on species. While the Lewisia is tolerant of drought, it can be damaged by slugs, soil, and overwatering. As a bonus, Lewisias are edible and medicinal.
Red columbine
A native of North America, red columbine grows in partial shade and moist soil. It is hardy in climate zones three to nine. The columbine flower will self-sow freely. To save seeds, gather them by hand during late August and early October. Once the seed follicles turn brown and dry, separate them from the chaff. Plant them in a shady location where they will receive partial shade during the afternoon.
Aquilegia canadensis, also known as red columbine, is a native of eastern North America. This perennial is an old-fashioned garden plant with long stalks and flowers in shades of yellow and red. Its flowers are beautiful and attract ruby-throated hummingbirds and other pollinators. In fact, the plant is so hardy that it self-sows in the wild.
Red columbine has delicate leaves and a distinctive flower. The flower-bearing stems stand up to three feet tall, with the red outer petals surrounding a yellow center. The flowers are followed by a capsule with shiny black seeds. The red columbine can be found in open meadows, along slopes, along woodland edges, and on gravelly shorelines. The flowers are held at the end of tubular spurs, and are accessible for bumblebees to collect nectar. The seeds of red columbine are enjoyed by many different birds. The seeds are edible by many species of birds, including hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
Camassia
If you want to have beautiful flowers that bloom in the spring, Camassia is the plant for you. It is easy to grow and will provide a striking spire to your spring garden. It is a native plant and is safe from most predators and pests. The bright blue flowering stems will be sure to attract many bees and butterflies to your garden. It is also good for both rain gardens and dry areas.
Camassia is a popular flowering plant in the Pacific Northwest. Its flowers have star-shaped shapes and bloom in late spring. The flowers smell fantastic and can cover the whole plant. The plant is easy to care for, and it can tolerate partial shade and winter weather. The Camassia is hardy and will grow well in a large container or mass planting. This plant requires bright indirect light for six hours every day.
The plant has several basal leaves. The leaves are linear-lance-shaped and sheathed at the base. The tepals are twisted and curved, similar to the ones on blue camas. Camassia is edible and typically grows in the same habitat. However, do not eat the berries if you don’t want to be poisoned.
Star Jasmine
Unlike many other fragrant vines, star jasmine can grow reliably in both partial shade and full sun. It is hardy from USDA Zones 7b through 10. Plant it anywhere from the end of April to mid-August. If you can maintain its shape, it can grow as tall as 20 feet. However, it can’t grow reliably in Florida, the banana belt, or other warm climates.
This flowering shrub is native to Japan and China. It has a delicate scent and white star-shaped flowers in June. The plants twine and grow at a moderate pace. They will grow to be a few feet tall and four feet wide in a season. You can expect to find star jasmine plants throughout Seattle, which will be a great addition to your landscaping. Star Jasmine is a great plant for patios, decks, and balconies.
If you want to plant a flower that attracts butterflies, try tall Mountain Shooting Star. It will bloom multiple times on a single stem and will attract bees and butterflies. This plant grows best in full sun to partial shade. It needs plenty of water in early spring, and will need to be watered frequently. You can plant it in a pot or container. This plant will need water regularly, but it will thrive in a container.
Ilex aquifolium ‘Angusti’
A perennial with glossy leaves, Ilex aquifolium ”Angusti” is one of the best outdoor plants for Seattle. Its male form doesn’t set seed, but the leaves are richly veined with fine spines. The stems are purple. Aside from being attractive, it also provides food for wildlife. Ilex is a genus of evergreen and deciduous plants. A deciduous variety is Winterberry (Ilex verticillata). This plant is also known for its cold hardiness and makes an excellent landscape plant. Its glossy leaves are paired with deep purple stems.
Common holly, also known as English holly, adds a festive touch to a landscape in December. This evergreen shrub is native to southern Europe and northern Asia, but it’s also considered invasive in many parts of the United States. The spiny edges of its leaves can rip the skin, so it’s best planted in containers.
High Clare Holly, also known as horned holly, is a hardy species of holly. It grows to a height of six to ten feet and has bright red, burgundy, or white fruit. It is a good choice for Seattle because it’s easy to maintain. Unlike some other types, Ilex aquifolium ‘Angusti’ doesn’t require watering or fertilizing, and will produce a large crop of fruit.
